Colorado vs Utah — Cost of Living, Taxes & Income Reality
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFQuick comparison
| Metric | Colorado | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 102 ✓ |
| Median Household Income | $97,113 ✓ | $96,658 |
| Median Rent | $2,250/mo | $1,900/mo ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.40% ✓ | 4.65% |
Tax reality
On a $70,000 salary, you keep about $175 more per year in Colorado. That works out to roughly $15/month in additional take-home.
Housing reality
Colorado
1BR $1,754 – $1,754/mo
Utah
1BR $1,456 – $1,456/mo
Major cities compared
Colorado
Purchasing power
Your $70,000 in Denver feels like approximately $58,257 in Salt Lake City, once housing and taxes are accounted for.
Who benefits from each
- Remote workers and high earners who want to keep more of their paycheck lean toward Colorado for its lower tax burden.
- Anyone prioritizing a lower overall cost of living will find Utah stretches a paycheck further.
- Workers chasing higher nominal salaries may prefer Colorado, where median household income is higher.
Colorado vs Utah — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Utah?
By cost of living index, Utah is the cheaper of the two (Colorado: 107, Utah: 102; national average = 100). Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Which state has lower income taxes, Colorado or Utah?
Colorado leaves more in your pocket. On a $70,000 salary, you keep about $175 more per year in Colorado. Source: Tax Foundation 2025, IRS 2025.
What is the median income difference between Colorado and Utah?
Colorado has the higher median household income (Colorado: $97,113, Utah: $96,658). Source: Census ACS 2024.
Should I move from Colorado to Utah?
It depends on your priorities. Utah offers a lower cost of living, while Colorado has higher median incomes. Weigh taxes, housing, and career options together. This is a picture, not a verdict.